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Former senator Brian Harradine dies

Australia's longest serving independent senator Brian Harradine will be remembered in death as a straight talking yet crafty negotiator whose loss will be felt by the whole community, political friends and foes say.

The former Tasmanian senator Brian Harradine died at his home in Hobart on Monday, aged 79.

"Ever the staunch advocate for Tasmania, Brian Harradine always sought to get the best possible deal for his state," Prime Minister Tony Abbott said in a statement.

"His faith and his family played an integral part in his life."

Former Democrats leader Natasha Stott Despoja said Harradine was a fine legislator who taught much to those who cared about the role of the senate and its power.

"We did not always agree, but we found common ground on many matters including the importance of a House of Review, the need for regulation in cutting edge areas like biotechnology, and human rights in China.

"His `I cannot' speech (about the GST) was one of the Senate's more powerful moments."

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Ms Stott Despoja's successor as Democrats leader, Andrew Bartlett, said of Harradine on Facebook: "he wasn't a .... two-timer or a sell out, wouldn't break his word and didn't change his beliefs with the breeze."

Harradine was elected to the Senate in 1975 and became the longest-serving independent senator in Australia's history when he retired in 2005.

Born in South Australia, he was secretary of the Tasmanian Trades and Labour Council before entering parliament.

His expulsion by a National Labor Conference held in Hobart gave him the publicity to be elected to the Senate in 1975 and he was successfully returned until his retirement, Government Senate leader Eric Abetz said.

"The loss of Brian Harradine will be felt by the whole community," Senator Abetz said in a statement.

"Brian's life was one of dedication to values and principles, humble service to his fellow man and a love for all things Tasmanian."

During the Howard government years, Senator Harradine became known for his crafty negotiating skills, Senator Abetz said.

"Especially when holding the balance of power in the Senate, he delivered huge dividends for his beloved State of Tasmania, especially with the Telstra fund," Senator Abetz said.